FCPS Cell Phone Policy | 2025–2026

Effective: August 15, 2025

Following a formal district-wide review, Future County Public Schools (FCPS) will implement an updated cell phone policy for all middle and high school students beginning on August 15, 2025. This policy is designed to support focused, distraction-free classrooms while allowing responsible use during non-instructional times.

Policy Overview

• Bell-to-Bell Restriction:
  Students are prohibited from using cell phones during instructional time, from the beginning to the end of each class period (bell-to-bell). This rule applies in all classes, across all middle and high schools.
  
  

• Classroom Storage Requirement:
  At the start of each class, students must place their phones in a designated phone rack or secured classroom storage area. Devices must remain stored for the entire duration of the period.
  
  

• Permitted Use During Non-Instructional Time:
  Students may use their phones during:
  
  

  • Lunch
    
    

  • Passing periods
    
    

  • Free periods/academic study blocks
    
    

Exceptions

• Documented Accommodations:
  Students with IEPs or 504 Plans requiring access to a device as part of their support plan may retain their phones during class, as approved by their case manager.
  
  

• Administrative Approval:
  In special cases, school administrators may grant temporary exceptions. All such approvals must be documented in advance.
  
  

Enforcement & Consequences

Students who fail to follow the policy will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in FCPS behavioral guidelines.

Progressive consequences may include:

• First Offense:
  Verbal reminder and redirection.
  
  

• Repeated Violations:
  
  

  • Loss of phone privileges for the remainder of the school day.
    
    

  • Mandatory use of a Yondr pouch to securely store the phone during instructional time.
    
    

  • Parent/guardian notification and possible behavioral interventions.
    
    

Implementation

• This policy takes effect on August 15, 2025, the first day of the 2025–2026 school year.
  
  

• All FCPS middle and high schools are expected to implement and enforce the policy consistently.
  
  

• Training and guidance for staff and students will be provided prior to the start of the school year.
  
  

Our Commitment

Future County Public Schools remains committed to fostering an academic environment where students are fully present and engaged in learning. We appreciate the ongoing support of students, families, and staff in upholding a positive and distraction-free educational experience.

For questions or further clarification, please contact your school’s main office.